Wellington’s Island Bay United get their chance to claim the O’Brien Shield for the first time in 25 years when they meet holders Waterside Karori in Saturday’s Central League fixture.
In a twist of fate, to win the prestigious shield, Island Bay will have to beat the side that took it from them when they last held it in 1999.
On that occasion, Waterside Karori ended Island Bay’s four-match tenure as shield holders.
Saturday’s shield match will be the 341st challenge staged since it was introduced.
The O’Brien Shield was presented to Capital Football in 1991 by Seatoun AFC to honour their long-serving player and administrator Bob O’Brien, and has been played for in the Central League since 1992.
It is similar to rugby’s Ranfurly Shield with the holders putting the prize up for grabs in their home fixtures.
Between 1992 and 2007, the shield was played for 197 times with Wainuiomata (1994-95), Miramar Rangers (2004-05) and Western Suburbs (2006-07) sharing the record for the longest tenure, with 13 successful defences each.
Waterside Karori took the shield this season when they beat Western Suburbs 3-2 in the Central League.
Since then, they’ve successfully defended it with a 4-1 win against Stop Out and a 2-1 victory against the Wellington Phoenix Reserves.
Main photo: Waterside Karori celebrate winning the shield against Western Suburbs. Photo credit: Waterside Karori.
Fixture
Game to be played on Saturday May 11, 2024
Waterside Karori v Island Bay United
Martin Luckie Park, Berhampore, 2.30pm
Standings
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